Further avian flu information.

In my last post I told you that I was stopping my hunting activities due to Avian flu. One cannot help but second guess decisions like that, but apparently it was the right decision. I received this email from North American Falconers Association.

Avian Influenza Alert!!!! Level two
1 message
NAFA President <nafapresident@n­a­f­a.com> Fri, Dec 19, 2014 at 5:02 PM
Reply­To: nafapresident@n­a­f­a.com
To: lcottrell1020@gmail.com
Dear Larry
Earlier this week I informed you of an Avian Influenza outbreak in northern
Washington. This same virus has now been found in a flock of domestic guinea fowl
in southern Oregon. These fowl were exposed to migratory waterfowl in a local marsh.
I received a call today from Dr. Pat Redig today and the autopsies on the dead
falcons from northern Washington have shown this to be a very contagious and
deadly form of Avian Influenza. Dr. Redig recommends a temporary break from
waterfowl hunting be taken by all falconers hunting in the Pacific Flyway at least until
more information is available.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/2014/SA_H5N8_Oregon.pdf
If you chose to continue hunting ducks with your falcons and goshawks, I would be
very cautious about letting multiple birds eat the same duck. The duck can appear
perfectly healthy, and freezing will not kill the virus. Also, be cautious of using the
same glove with multiple birds creating blood and saliva exchange.

Jessie seems to be happy with the decision, she has been fed two days in a row. That hasn't happened for a long time.